Equipment Operator I

Position Information

The purpose of this classification is to drive or operate heavy trucks, tractors, and other medium-sized equipment where driving and maneuvering the vehicle constitutes the majority of the work required to complete tasks for various maintenance, upkeep, and/or construction projects; equipment in this classification does not involve the operation of additional mechanisms other than those that are moderately simple and routine.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Classification is reserved for those positions where operation of included equipment is the primary function of the job; this is the entry level for the equipment operator series.

Essential Functions

Operates various equipment and vehicles to complete tasks related to the maintenance, upkeep, installation, and construction of County grounds, property, utilities, rights-of-way, and other infrastructure for departmental operations; drives vehicle over public roads, work sites, rights-of-way, parks, public works facilities, and other County property; maneuvers in and around traffic, parked cars, equipment, utilities, and other obstacles; obeys all traffic laws and safety guidelines; monitors immediate environment and work area to ensure the safety of operator, other workers, the equipment, and the public.

Drives single, tandem, and tri-axle dump trucks or brush trucks in order to transport and haul materials between original and final destinations for use in maintenance and construction projects; positions vehicle to allow for the most efficient and effective loading or dumping of materials; secures all doors, gates, and fasteners to prevent spillage or loss of load; operates dumping mechanism to dump materials at appropriate locations; operates truck and dumping mechanism simultaneously to spread materials along prescribed path to required specifications.

Drives rear-loading and semi-automated sanitation trucks to collect solid waste along and assigned route: positions vehicle to allow for the most efficient and effective loading or dumping of materials; monitors and adjusts pace of vehicle and collection activities to ensure timely completion of route; operates mechanisms on truck to secure and collect waste; ensures that load is properly balanced, covered, and contained; and monitors activities of workers on the back of truck for safety.

Operates tractors and tractor-mounted mowing equipment to mow and maintain rights-of-way, parks, and other County property, including operation of side-arm, bush hogs, and rear-mounted mowers, but not exclusively small riding mowers; scouts path for and removes rocks, debris, and other obstacles that may cause damage to the equipment, property, or the public; determines proper settings and adjusts mowing and raking equipment for desired height and trajectory.

Operates asphalt roller or compactor to flatten and compress dirt, gravel, asphalt, and other materials.

Utilizes asphalt patching truck to make repairs to existing streets and paved surfaces by filling potholes, cracks, and other deformities; drives truck to work location and positions vehicle to allow for optimum delivery of asphalt; utilizes dumping mechanisms to apply specified amount of hot asphalt to desired area; operates spraying mechanism to aim and distribute a fine stream of asphalt along cracks in the pavement; utilizes rakes, shovels, and other tools to manually spread and seal asphalt; marks newly repaired pavement as appropriate.

Drives special purpose trucks with mounted tanks to transport and distribute water, insecticide, oil, or other liquids for use in maintenance, upkeep, and construction projects; determines proper settings and adjusts spraying mechanisms to distribute desired amounts of liquids for both informal and controlled applications; operates flusher and water truck to rinse debris from streets and apply water to construction sites to reduce dust levels; operates spraying mechanism on mosquito truck to distribute insecticide; operates asphalt distributor to apply oil along prescribed path for street construction prior to pavement of streets.

Inspects and prepares equipment for safe and proper operation prior to beginning work for the day; performs light maintenance on equipment, which includes changing oil, refueling, and refilling lubricants; cleans vehicles, beds, and mounted equipment upon completion of assignments; secures vehicle after use.

Transports, loads and unloads various materials and equipment used in projects.

Performs manual labor in support of construction, maintenance, and upkeep projects: lifts, moves, loads, and unloads materials, equipment, tools, furniture, and supplies; digs ditches, trenches, and holes manually or utilizing power equipment; shovels, rakes, spreads, compacts, and levels dirt, rock, asphalt, cement, and other materials; retrieves supplies, materials, tools, equipment and other items and runs various errands as needed; collects and transports materials, supplies, tools, and equipment to and from the worksite; removes litter, debris, and deceased animals from roadways and other County property.

Follows established safety procedures: utilizes safety equipment and wears protective gear; monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; monitors traffic conditions surrounding trucks and equipment to identify obstructions, pedestrians, or unsafe traffic conditions; flags and directs traffic and places markers, signs and cones around project and work site to ensure safety of crew and the traveling public; reports any incidents, accidents, problems, or unusual situations.

Receives, prepares or completes various forms and documentation, including work orders, time cards, maintenance reports, spray records, diagrams, maps, manuals, reference materials, and other documents; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems; communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; provides information and assistance; takes and relays messages or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.

Provides coverage during special events and activities as needed; responds to emergency and disaster situations as needed; provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed; and performs other related duties as required.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED preferred; supplemented by six months of experience operating equipment in the construction, repair, and/or maintenance of public infrastructure or six months of experience maintaining landscaping, mowing, trimming, and general grounds maintenance along with experience of operating required equipment to perform these duties or related field required.

Licenses and Certifications

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.

Must possess and maintain a valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License OR must obtain within six months of hire.

Must obtain and maintain Flagging Certification within the timeframes established by the assigned department.

Physical Abilities

Tasks require the regular and sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).

Sensory Requirements

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors

Tasks may require exposure to such environmental conditions as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, toxic agents, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances.

EEO Statement

Cobb County Government is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.